The Sylhet Referendum was held in?

 (a) 1947

(b) 1948

(c) 1949

(d) 1950

The Sylhet Referendum was held in July 1947 (specifically on July 6 and 7, 1947) in the Sylhet district of the Assam Province of British India.

• Purpose: To decide whether the district would remain part of the Indian province of Assam or join East Bengal in the newly created Dominion of Pakistan. 
Result: The majority voted in favor of joining Pakistan, leading to most of Sylhet becoming part of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), while the Karimganj subdivision remained in India.

With reference to the Shunga dynasty, Patanjali refers to the yavanas reaching up to Saketa and Madhyamika. The place Madhyamika is identified as located near

 (a) Chittor

(b) Ujjain

(c) Kaushambi

(d) Pataliputra

Sri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Movement took place in which of the following States of India?

 (a) Tamil Nadu

(b) Kerala

(c) Punjab

(d) Uttarakhand

Prithivimahadevi, Dharmamahadevi, Dandimahadevi and Valkulamahadevi, who became rulers due to the absence of a male heir, belonged to the

 (a) Eastern Chalukya dynasty

(b) Kadamba dynasty

(c) Bhauma-Kara dynasty

(d) Gonanda dynasty

Which one among the following terms was used in the Sangam Texts for ploughmen?

 (a) Vellalar

(b) Uzhavar

(c) Gahpati

(d) Adimai

Who among the following was the founder president of the Asiatic Society of Bengal?

 (a) Charles Wilkins

(b) William Jones

(c) Warren Hastings

(d) Henry Colebrooke

Which one of the following European travelers have NOT written an account of the Vijayanagara Empire?

 (a) Niccolo di Conti

(b) Marco Polo

(c) Domingo Paes

(d) Fernao Nuniz

The term ‘Pendentive’ refers to which form of Indian architecture?

 (a) A building/temple which tends to be broader and shorter than Latinā type

(b) A triangular bracket in the angle of two walls, connecting the base of the dome to its supporting arches

(c) Drum house from where ceremonial music was played which was usually situated over the gate

(d) Many curves in an arch

What do you think the titles of Mahendravarman-I like ‘Vichitrachitta’, ‘Chaityakari’ and ‘Chitrakarapuli’ seem to suggest?

 (a) It shows his proficiency in Sanskrit literature

(b) It shows his interest in art activities

(c) It shows his charming personality

(d) It shows his interest in conducting experiments with agriculture

Why do you think Vijayanagara incorporated agricultural tracts within the fortified area?

 (a) To promote high yield agriculture under State supervision

(b) To protect the agricultural belt from the sieges of an invading army

(c) To protect the agriculture from stray animals

(d) To protect the agriculture from drought

With reference to the eligibility criteria for becoming the member of a ‘Sabha’ as laid down in the Uttarmerur inscription, consider the following statements:

 1. The candidate should have his own house and his own plot of land

2. The candidate should be within 60 years of age and above 30 years

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Arrange the following landmarks in the discovery and preservation of early monuments and sculpture in a chronological order:

 1. Founding of the Indian museum, Calcutta

2. H. H. Cole appointed Curator of Ancient Monuments

3. Establishment of the Government Museum, Madras

4. Passing of the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 1, 3, 2, 4
(c) 2, 3, 4, 1
(d) 3, 4, 2, 1

Which of the following is a correct order of placement of major Harappan settlements from north to south?

 (a) Lakhmirwala, Banawali, Rakhigarhi, Bhirrana

(b) Rakhigarhi, Banawali, Bhirrana, Lakhmirwala

(c) Banawali, Rakhigarhi, Lakhmirwala, Bhirrana

(d) Rakhigarhi, Bhirrana, Banawali, Lakhmirwala

Consider the following statements about the treaty of Allahabad (1765):

 1. It was an agreement between the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II and the English East India Company

2. It made the English East India Company the Diwan of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa
3. As per the provisions of the treaty, the East India Company was granted Diwani in exchange for an annual tribute to Mughal Emperor
4. The treaty was worked out after the defeat of the Mughal emperor in the battle of Buxar

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 4

Consider the following statements:

 1. Dasavatara temple at Deogarh is a Gupta period building

2. Bhitargaon temple is built of dressed stone

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following schools of thought believed that ‘this material world is the only thing that exists’ and therefore ‘there can be no life after death’?

 (a) Vaisheshika

(b) Ajivika

(c) Charvaka

(d) Nyaya

The stories of Shvetaketu and Nachiketa teach us the worth of

 (a) Unquestioned obedience to Rishis

(b) Asking questions in pursuit of knowledge

(c) Lasting friendships in life

(d) Physical labour for healthy life

Which of the following is/are correct about the Harappans?

 1. They were the first to grow cotton in Eurasia

2. They consumed turmeric, ginger and banana

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

How many of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?

 Harappan site : Modern state/region

1. Bhirrana : Haryana
2. Ganweriwala : Punjab (Pakistan)
3. Dholavira : Gujarat
4. Farmana : Uttar Pradesh

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 4

‘Study of human societies and cultures from the oldest times to the present’ is the work of

 (a) Archaeologists

(b) Anthropologists

(c) Palaeontologists

(d) Geologists

Which organisation launched the nationwide Green Diwali Campaign in October 2026?

[A] Greenpeace India

[B] WWF-India

[C] NITI Aayog

[D] Central Pollution Control Board


Answer: B [WWF-India]

WWF-India (World Wide Fund for Nature–India) has launched a nationwide Green Diwali Campaign to encourage people to celebrate an environmentally friendly Diwali. The campaign promotes the principles of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and urges citizens to avoid firecrackers. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the campaign will continue until 8 November 2026. It will reach schools, colleges, educational institutions, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local communities.

Who became the world’s youngest driver to win the Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) Mini title in 2026?

[A] Mira Erda

[B] Arshi Gupta

[C] Doriane Pin

[D] Hamda Al Qubaisi


Answer: B [Arshi Gupta]

Arshi Gupta, a 10-year-old Indian karting driver from Faridabad, Haryana, became the world’s youngest driver to win the Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) Mini title. She won the Mini Max category of the FMSCI RMC India National Karting Championship 2026, held in Bengaluru. In 2025, she won the Micro Max category, making her one of the rare drivers to win two successive Rotax MAX Challenge categories in consecutive years. Arshi is the youngest driver globally to be selected for the F1 Academy Discover Your Drive programme. She is also a recipient of the FIA President’s Medal and has achieved podium finishes in the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Bud Rot Disease is caused by which agent?

[A] Bacteria

[B] Virus

[C] Fungus

[D] Protozoa

Answer - C Fungus

Coconut growers in Tiptur taluk of Tumakuru district, Karnataka, are worried about a Bud Rot disease causing coconut tree crowns to break off and fall. The problem has been reported in Mattihalli, Hosahalli and Halkurike villages, as well as large parts of Nonavinakere and Kasaba hoblis. Bud Rot is a fatal disease of coconut palms characterized by the rotting of the terminal bud and surrounding tissues. The disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora palmivora. The disease can affect coconut palms of all ages, but young palms are particularly vulnerable. The fungus attacks the growing point of the coconut palm, and once this point is destroyed, the palm cannot recover. The disease becomes more severe during the monsoon because of high relative humidity

Deepthi Jeevanji, who won gold medal in the women’s 400-metre T20 event at the Asian Para Games 2026, belongs to which state?

 [A] Telangana

[B] Karnataka

[C] Kerala

[D] Tamil Nadu 

Answer: A [Telangana ]
Indian para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji won her second consecutive gold medal in the women’s 400-metre T20 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. She set a new Games record by completing the race in 56.36 seconds. The event was held in Nagoya, Japan. Deepthi belongs to Telangana, and hails from a village in the Warangal region. The T20 category is for athletes with intellectual impairments.

Which one of the following groups of countries consists of the members of Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC)?

 (a) India, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam

(b) India, Bangladesh, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam
(c) India, Bangladesh and Myanmar
(d) India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka

The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) is an initiative launched on November 10, 2000, in Vientiane, Laos, comprising six member countries: India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Named after two major civilizational rivers—the Ganga and the Mekong—the bloc focuses on fostering deep socio-economic ties through historical and cultural connections.

It forms a crucial pillar of India's Act East Policy, emphasizing cooperation in four traditional areas—tourism, culture, education, and transportation/communication—which have since expanded to include public health, traditional medicine, and water resource management. Major tangible outcomes include the MGC Asian Traditional Textiles Museum in Cambodia and India's Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), which fund short-gestation development projects in the Mekong region.

Which of the following statements relating to Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025 are correct?

 1. It mandates the creation of a National Disaster Database

2. It addresses the issue of urban disaster risk management through Provision 41 A
3. It empowers the constitution of an Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA) for State Capitals and all cities having Municipal Corporations (excluding NCT of Delhi and Union Territories of Chandigarh)

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements with reference to Indian Ports Act, 2025:

 1. It established Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) as a statutory consultative body to coordinate between Centre and coastal states

2. Its legislation mandates Global Green Norms and Disaster Readiness for Indian Ports

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements about the administration and control of Scheduled Areas:

 1. The Governors of each State having Scheduled Areas therein shall, annually or whenever so required by the President, make a report to the President regarding the administration of the Scheduled Areas in that State

2. The Executive Power of the Union shall extend to the giving of directions to the States as to the administration of the Scheduled Areas

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the statements regarding the delimitation exercise carried out in Assam in 2023:

 1. The delimitation of constituencies was done on the basis of 2001 census

2. No increase was made in the number of ST Assembly seats

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?

 (a) Formation of the State of Arunachal Pradesh : The Constitution (Fifty-fifth Amendment) Act, 1986

(b) Formation of the State of Mizoram : The Constitution (Fifty-third Amendment) Act, 1986
(c) Special provision with respect to the State of Nagaland : The Constitution (Fourteenth Amendment) Act, 1962
(d) Reorganisation of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu : The Constitution (Fifty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1987

Which of the following statements with respect to the Ordinance promulgated under Article 213 of the Constitution of India is/are correct?

 1. It shall be laid before the Legislative Assembly of the State, or where there is a Legislative Council in the State, before both the Houses

2. It shall cease to operate at the expiration of two months from the reassembly of the Legislature
3. It may be withdrawn at any time by the Governor

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Which one of the following statements related to below mentioned Committees of the Parliament is correct?

 (a) The Rajya Sabha elects more members than the Lok Sabha to the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

(b) The Chairperson of the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
(c) Members nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are more in number than Members nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on the Committee on Empowerment of Women
(d) The Rajya Sabha elects more members than the Lok Sabha to the Public Accounts Committee

Which of the following statements about State Election Commissioner is/are correct?

 1. Preparation of electoral rolls for elections to the Panchayats takes place under his/her direction

2. He/she is appointed by the Governor of the concerned State on the advice of the Chief Election Commissioner of India

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

 1. Using powers given under Article 342 A of the Constitution of India, the President of India may notify a Central List of socially, educationally and economically backward classes with respect to a State

2. Every State may prepare a list of socially and educationally backward classes for its own purposes different from the Central List

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

As regards the ‘disqualification on ground of defection’ as per the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

 1. Disqualification on ground of defection does not apply to any nominated member of a House

2. Disqualification on ground of defection does not apply to a member of a House if she/he does not accept the merger of her/his original political party into another and opts to function as a separate group

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu?

 1. The merger of the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu was given effect to by an Act of the Parliament of India

2. After the merger of the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, three seats have been allocated in the House of People
3. The jurisdiction of the High Court of Bombay continues to extend to this Union Territory

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 only

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

 1. In First-Past-the-Post system of representation, candidate who wins the election may not get majority votes

2. In Proportional Representation system of representation, candidate who wins the election gets majority of votes

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following statements about National Human Rights Commission, India is/are correct?

 1. It can intervene in court proceedings involving human rights violations with the approval of the court

2. It can undertake research in the field of human rights
3. It cannot investigate human rights violation on its own initiative

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only

Who is considered as the father of 'Artificial Intelligence'?

John McCarthy is widely regarded as the “Father of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”.

He coined the term “Artificial Intelligence” in 1956.

He organized the Dartmouth Conference (1956), considered a foundational event in AI research.

Battle of Carnatic (Carnatic Wars: 1746–1763)

 

1. Introduction

• The Carnatic Wars were three conflicts fought in South India between the British East India Company and the French East India Company from 1746 to 1763.
  
  
• Fought mainly in the Carnatic region, they were part of larger European rivalries and tied directly to succession disputes in Carnatic and Hyderabad.
  
  
• The wars marked the decline of French influence and the start of British political dominance in India.
  
  

2. Causes

• Rivalry between the British and French for trade and territorial dominance.
  
  
• European wars spilling over into the Indian theater.
  
  
• Succession disputes in Carnatic and Hyderabad.
  
  
• Desire of both companies to expand political and commercial power.
  
  
• Support sought by rival Indian rulers to bolster positions in internal conflicts.
  
  

3. First Carnatic War (1746–1748)

• European Context: War of Austrian Succession (1740–1748).
  
  
• Major Events:
  
  
  • French forces under La Bourdonnais captured Madras in 1746.
    
    
  • Nawab of Carnatic, Anwar-ud-din, attempted to intervene.
    
    
  • French defeated the Nawab's forces at the Battle of St. Thomé (Adyar) in 1746.
    
    
• Result: Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) – Madras was restored to the British.
  
  
• Significance: Demonstrated that European-trained troops could defeat significantly larger Indian armies.
  
  

4. Second Carnatic War (1749–1754)

• Background: Linked to succession disputes in Carnatic and Hyderabad.
  
  
• Key Indian Rulers Supported:
  
  
  • Carnatic: Chanda Sahib (backed by French) vs. Muhammad Ali (backed by British).
    
    
  • Hyderabad: Muzaffar Jang (backed by French) vs. Nasir Jang (backed by British).
    
    
• Important Events:
  
  
  • Battle of Ambur (1749) – Anwar-ud-din was defeated and killed; Chanda Sahib became Nawab of Carnatic.
    
    
  • Robert Clive captured Arcot in 1751 and successfully defended it.
    
    
• Result: Treaty of Pondicherry (1754) – Muhammad Ali was recognized as Nawab of Carnatic; Dupleix was recalled to France.
  
  
• Significance: Robert Clive emerged as an important British leader, increasing British prestige in India.
  
  

5. Third Carnatic War (1756–1763)

• European Context: Part of the global Seven Years' War (1756–1763).
  
  
• Major Events:
  
  
  • Battle of Wandiwash (1760) – British forces under Sir Eyre Coote defeated the French forces under Count de Lally.
    
    
  • British captured Pondicherry in 1761.
    
    
• Result: Treaty of Paris (1763) – France retained minor trading settlements but lost all political ambitions in India.
  
  
• Significance: Battle of Wandiwash served as the decisive battle that ended French power in India.
  
  

6. Reasons for British Success

• Superior naval support.
  
  
• Greater financial resources.
  
  
• Effective military leadership (Robert Clive, Eyre Coote).
  
  
• French financial and logistical complications.
  
  
• Strategic ability to exploit Indian political divisions.
  
  
• Better alignment between military objectives and commercial interests.
  
  

7. Consequences

• Political: Sharp decline in French political influence; British established themselves as the dominant European power in India.
  
  
• Economic: Expansion of British commercial interests; French restricted to a few trading posts.
  
  
• Military: Highlighted the effectiveness of European military techniques and increased reliance on disciplined infantry.
  
  
• Long-Term: A major milestone transforming the British East India Company from a commercial trading body into a political power.
  
  

8. Summary Table

War	Period	European Context	Key Event	Result
First Carnatic War	1746–1748	War of Austrian Succession	French capture Madras (1746); Battle of Adyar	Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)
Second Carnatic War	1749–1754	Succession disputes	Clive captures Arcot (1751)	Treaty of Pondicherry (1754)
Third Carnatic War	1756–1763	Seven Years' War	Battle of Wandiwash (1760)	Treaty of Paris (1763)